Josie Howard

Josie Howard Josie Howard is a professional dressage and event rider based at RE Sporthorses in Fort Defiance VA.

07/04/2025

Moose began in a basic loose ring snaffle, which is soft, simple, and ideal for green horses. Now that he's confidently taking contact, it's time to address his wiggle-worm tendencies. This video walks through how I’m adjusting his bit to support clearer communication in the next phase of his training.

Featuring: full cheek snaffles, mouthpiece variations, and what’s not legal in dressage.

Last weekend, Frankie poured her heart into all three phases at the SVPC Horse Trials – from a strong dressage test to n...
06/24/2025

Last weekend, Frankie poured her heart into all three phases at the SVPC Horse Trials – from a strong dressage test to navigating tough questions in cross country. Some horses take a little longer to find their rhythm, and that’s okay. The journey isn’t always linear, but the hard work is worth it. 💪

06/20/2025

Finding the right stud combination for all different types of footing and horses takes a bit of trial and error. It's not one size fits all, but here are a few general tips for when deciding on which studs to use and how I make my life a little simpler on show days.

06/15/2025

No matter what’s on your plate for the day, your toddler always has other plans...like sneezing directly into your face while mic’d up. Being a trainer and a mom keeps you humble… and a little entertained... 😅

06/12/2025

This young rider and her new green bean OTTB nailed their first XC jump! With green horses, we always start slow​ – gauging how they feel and building trust. It​ was a simple equation: staying centered + a calm rhythm = a confident jump. These two are headed to their first event together in just two weeks!​

06/10/2025

Frankie and I had a great run at the Middleburg Horse Trials this weekend! I was aiming for a relaxed, no-pressure weekend with good exposure​ – and we nailed it.​ She’s still new to eventing and has been schooling phenomenally at home, but was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed at shows. I didn’t want every competition to feel hard for her, so we took a step back to set her up for better steps forward.​ Seneca​, here we come!

06/07/2025

Bit test! This client’s horse has been in training with ​me to improve her connection and adjustability​ over fences and on the flat. She had become almost too soft in the mouth, which prevented her hind legs from truly pushing through​ and confidently leading her rider to the fence.​ Over time, that created hesitation for both of them.

Trying new things is all part of the process. Small adjustments can lead to big progress​! ✨

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) Podcast just released a great episode with 5* rider and S-level judg...
06/03/2025

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) Podcast just released a great episode with 5* rider and S-level judge Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride. If you haven't taken a listen, this one is worth saving! From warm-up strategies to scoring insight, it's full of practical advice straight from the judge’s box. Some are classics we all need to hear again, and others are the small details we tend to forget. Here are our favorite takeaways:

🎯 Before the Show:
• Know your test inside and out – not just the pattern, but where each movement begins and ends.
• Practice under the pressure of a dressage arena. Cones and paper letters are perfectly acceptable!
• Rehearse that 45-second window before your entrance – you’ve got more time than you think.

🧠 On the Day:
• Ride the horse you have today, not the one you wish you had.
• Warm-up strategy matters: how long does it take for your horse to move forward and come back, and how will that shape your ride?
• Track around in the direction you’ll enter, in case you only get one lap after the bell.

✨ During Your Test:
• You’re not a victim or a passenger – ride every stride and present your horse with confidence (even if you have to fake it).
• Accuracy = points. Hit your markers with the center of your body.
• Modifiers (those connecting moments between movements) count too! Grab that extra .5.

📋 What Judges Are Looking For:
• Harmony and effort – show off your best with what you have that day.
• Forward, balanced, and positive riding – judges want to see that you can use your leg.
• Make a strong first impression – use all the space A to set up a purposeful centerline.

🚫 Big Don’ts:
• Don’t wander aimlessly before your entrance – show you have a plan.
• Don’t cluck, talk, or school during our test – those will nab you 2 error points.
• Don’t let your hands take over under pressure – tension spirals fast. Maintain focus on your seat and legs.

📝 Afterward:
• Pay attention to the overall message of your marks – judges often repeat the same feedback in different ways.
• It’s one ride, on one day, in a long journey. Learn, grow, and move on to the next!

Remember, this is a performance! Show off your amazing horse and keep breathing. Thanks to the USEA for the reminder that the dressage arena isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being prepared, positive, and present on the day.

05/26/2025

First jumps for Springsteen! With Grand Prix dressage and European sport horse bloodlines, this super 6-year-old Oldenburg GOV gelding may just gallop out of the start box one day. He’s showing talent in every direction​ – reach out to learn more about this rockstar!

Available: Springsteen (2019)
By Sagnol, out of a Wild Card Mare
Dark Bay Oldenburg GOV Gelding, 16.1 hh
https://resporthorsesllc.com/springsteen

📍Fort Defiance, VA
[email protected]
(616) 405-0606

05/20/2025

Sweet baby Finn is doing so well with a young rider at our barn! He loves attention and is ready to thrive in a consistent program with an AA or professional. Finn’s got more go than whoa, but he’s kind, willing, and wants to please. If you’re looking for a forward, sensitive partner with tons of potential, he’s your guy!

Available: Finn's Point (2020)
Bourbon Courage – Mark Up Tiny by Benchmark
2020 Bay OTTB Gelding, 16.1 hh
https://resporthorsesllc.com/finn

📍Fort Defiance, VA
[email protected]
(616) 405-0606

05/16/2025

Another ​m​ilestone for Quill​! He jumped around his first course at home and ​i​t felt amazing​. We're taking our time​ in our training and he​ continues to rise to the challenge and take it all in stride.

​What exercises do you like to do with your young event horses?

The US Event Horse Futurity

05/12/2025

This handsome guy has talent for days! Springsteen is an Oldenburg GOV gelding bred for dressage, but he’s showing promise in every direction. Fun fact, his brother is currently competing at Grand Prix dressage and we can see Springsteen going that far in the right hands.

He has great ground manners, has been ponied on trails, and just started to jump under saddle today. We see ribbons in his future!

Available: Springsteen (2019)
By Sagnol, out of a Wild Card Mare
Dark Bay Oldenburg GOV Gelding, 16.1 hh
https://resporthorsesllc.com/springsteen

📍Fort Defiance, VA
[email protected]
(616) 405-0606

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Fort Defiance, VA

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